During last night’s lead-up to the season premiere of The Bachelor, the franchise said goodbye to former contestant Gia Allemand, who tragically committed suicide last August.In the moving tribute, Gia was remembered as a kind-hearted soul who loved everyone and expressed a desire to start a family one day.

ABC featured the memorial segment during The Bachelor: Countdown to Juan Pablo special, showcasing some of Gia’s video clips during her time on the show. Gia, who was 29 at the time of her death, appeared during Jake Pavelka’s season, and sweet nature quickly made her a fan favorite.

Some of the footage included in the tribute included an interview in which Gia reflected on her legacy within The Bachelor franchise. “I just hope people remember my kind heart,” she said. “I have a kind heart for people. That’s what I hope people remember me for.” Later, the auburn-haired stunner also told cameras, “I want two kids, and I want to adopt a baby girl from China.”

Gia’s mother, Donna Micheletti, also participated in the special memorial. “Gia took her own life and it is heart-wrenching and I wouldn’t want to see any other parent go through this.There is plenty of help for everyone,” she said. She then added,“I just miss her. Gia was always full of such life, and she’d walk into a room and you’d feel her presence. She’d light up that room like sunshine.”

At the time of her death, Gia was dating NBA player Ryan Anderson, who was also the person to discover her following the tragedy. Ryan was at Gia’s side when she died later at the hospital, along with her mother.

After news broke of Gia’s death, several in the Bachelor community spoke out to express their grief. Ex-Bachlor Sean Lowe tweeted, “My prayers go out to @GiaAllemand’s family during this time. Life on earth is but a vapor and she’s with our Lord now.”Jake Pavelka even appeared on an episode of the Dr. Phil Show, where he talked about his and Gia’s “special relationship” and how close they became during the show.

So what do you think about the tribute to Gia Allemand before last night’s season premiere of The Bachelor? Let us know in the comments!